Janice Lynn (Smith) Ruback

Janice Ruback, age 79, of Boyne City, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility, surrounded by her loving family.  

She was born on July 6, 1946, in Petoskey, to Don and Virginia (Starmer) Smith.  Her father owned and operated Smith Taxi Service with his two brothers, and she spent many summers riding the bus with her twin sister to visit relatives in Rogers City and Sault Ste. Marie.

Jan met her husband on the shores of Walloon Lake in 1961, and they were married on April 10, 1965. They lived in Petoskey for a brief period before settling in Mt. Pleasant, where they would live for 30 years. Jan received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan University in 1969, and later returned to earn her Master’s Degree in 1976. She taught English to 7th and 8th graders in Remus for 22 years, and then English Literature at Chippewa Hills High School. As an educator, Jan was generous with her time, knowledge, and encouragement.

Outside the classroom, she was a member of the United Methodist Church and a proud supporter of Mt. Pleasant High School Boosters. She loved Jazzercise, playing Scrabble, and time spent with friends and family.

Returning to Northern Michigan in 1997, Jan served as an adjunct professor at Northern Michigan Community College for several years before retiring.

Hers was a very active retirement marked by part-time jobs at Lavender Hill Farm and Homestead Furniture in Harbor Springs. A great deal of time was spent driving around northern Michigan buying and selling antiques (and singing along to Elvis on the radio). A master gardener, she was a longtime member and past president of the Boyne Valley Garden Club. She served as an auxiliary board member at Grandvue (where her mother resided), raising funds to build a greenhouse in the memory care facility.

Her three grandsons, Alec, Jake, and Sam, brought her particular joy, and as a consummate wordsmith, she kept extensive journals highlighting their triumphs.

Jan will be remembered for her quick smile, which she offered freely to family, friends, and strangers alike. She could put anyone at ease, creating space for laughter and connection.

Jan is lovingly remembered by Kent, her husband of 61 years; their children, Trace (Erica) Ruback of Grand Rapids, and Leigh (Ruback) Bingham of Orlando, Fla.; grandsons Alec Ruback, Jake and Sam Bingham; twin sister Jerrie Smith; sister-in-law Lynelle (Ruback) Wade; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Kaye (Smith) Eaton; brother James Smith; brother-in-law Lyle Eaton; nephew Rob Eaton; and niece Danette (Pearl) Koma.

The family is grateful to the staff at Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan for their thoughtful and loving care.

A memorial is planned for Saturday, June 27, at 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Boyne City, located at 401 South Park Street. All are warmly invited to a reception on the terrace of the City Hall building immediately following the service.

Donations can be made to support the Boyne District Library or Challenge Mountain. 

Arrangements are in the care of Stackus Funeral Home.